The world’s most beautiful cities
Urban wonders

Cities are often celebrated for their energy and culture, but many are just as visually striking as the world’s most scenic villages and landscapes. With iconic skylines, historic landmarks and impressive architecture set against dramatic backdrops, these urban destinations offer a different kind of beauty.
From colourful old towns to sleek modern skylines, click through this gallery to discover the most beautiful cities on Earth...
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio’s beauty goes far beyond its famous, feather-filled Carnival. With its stunning seaside location, dramatic mountain backdrop and contagious energy, the city is easily one of the world’s most spectacular destinations.
Iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, with their golden sands and distinctive black-and-white promenade, are framed by the towering Sugarloaf Mountain and the statue of Christ the Redeemer – which stands atop Mount Corcovado, watching over the city below.
Bruges, Belgium

With its medieval spires, arched bridges and historic squares, Bruges is so perfectly picturesque it feels almost unreal – a storybook town where the scent of beer, frites and sweet crepes drifts through cobbled lanes and along quiet canals.
At its heart, Burg Square is home to the 14th-century Gothic Town Hall, while nearby Markt Square is watched over by the iconic medieval Belfry, offering sweeping views over the city’s fairytale rooftops.
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Muscat, Oman

Muscat is a dazzling city, stretching for almost 25 miles (40km) along the Gulf of Oman. Alongside opulent modern buildings like Al Alam Palace and the Royal Opera House, it’s home to some fascinating historic districts.
Mutrah Souq is a dizzyingly colourful bazaar, while walled Old Muscat’s traditional Arabian architecture gives it a timeless appeal. But the jewel in Muscat’s crown is the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, an awe-inspiring edifice of gold, turquoise and cool, white marble.
Dubrovnik, Croatia

Dubrovnik’s 13th-century old town feels more like a work of art than a city, with its apricot-hued rooftops, wide marble streets and beautifully preserved stone walls.
These imposing walls, which once defended the city, now offer panoramic views – from the hillside homes and hotels to the sapphire waters of the Adriatic, where lush green islands dot the horizon.
York, England, UK

York has an impressive pedigree, having been founded way back in AD 71 by the Romans. Parts of the Roman city still exist, but the most eye-catching landmarks – from the Gothic York Minster to the imposing shell of York Castle – are medieval.
At its heart is Stonegate, which is lined with independent shops and cafés and has a Roman road running beneath it. The wonderfully named Shambles is another charming street, overhung by half-timbered houses dating back to the 14th century.
Khiva, Uzbekistan

Encircled by walls laid in the 10th century, Itchan Kala (Khiva’s Inner City) has a singular collection of historic buildings, giving a fascinating insight into Central Asian Islamic architecture.
But more than any individual sight – including the squat Kalta Minor Minaret, sumptuous Tosh Hovli Palace or ornately tiled Pahlavon Mahmud Mausoleum – Itchan Kala’s most astounding feature is how preserved it feels. Its mud-walled streets and courtyard homes seem barely touched by modern life.
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Sydney shines with effortless beauty, from its numerous green spaces and sun-drenched beaches to its striking architecture. Life revolves around Sydney Harbour, where the Harbour Bridge and Opera House create an unforgettable skyline.
Beyond the water is just as charming, with cobbled shopping streets, grand Victorian arcades and leafy parks. Then there are the beaches – from secluded coves along the harbour to the golden sands of Bondi, Sydney’s coastline is as iconic as the city itself.
Bergen, Norway

Though it’s beautiful in every season, Bergen comes into its own when the days grow shorter and the snow piles up. Its richly coloured houses cling to the mountainsides, reflected perfectly in the clear waters of the North Sea.
The Floibanen funicular winds its way up to Mount Floyen for sweeping views of the city. Bergen may be known as the gateway to the fjords, but there’s plenty of beauty to be found within the city too.
Galway, Ireland

County Galway regularly appears on lists of the most beautiful places in Ireland, so it’s no surprise that its capital city is a stunner too. The city’s ancient core is still in use, with Kirwan's Lane a fine example of the narrow medieval streets, all cobblestones and arches.
The Claddagh – a fishing district with origins in the 5th century – lies to the west of the city, with colourful fishermen’s cottages and glorious views across the water.
Prague, Czechia

Architecture and natural beauty come together perfectly in Prague, particularly where the medieval stone arch of Charles Bridge spans the wide Vltava River.
It’s been dubbed ‘the City of a Hundred Spires’, though it’s so chock-full of Gothic churches and towers that it surely must have more. One of the prettiest parts is the Old Town Square, with Baroque architecture and the intricate, animated Astronomical Clock.
Udaipur, India

Of all Rajasthan’s beautiful cities, Udaipur is perhaps the most heavenly. Known as the City of the Lakes, it looks as though it’s floating on water, its lime-washed buildings light and dreamily delicate.
Surrounded by saw-toothed peaks, this romantic city is full of palaces, forts and havelis (mansions built around courtyards). Its most iconic building is City Palace, Rajasthan’s largest royal complex, made up of 11 dazzling palaces overlooking Lake Pichola.
Porto, Portugal

Though Lisbon gets most of the attention, Porto is uniquely beautiful and atmospheric, especially in its medieval Ribeira district. Here, centuries-old merchants’ and mariners’ homes line cobbled streets, seeming to crane their necks over each other for a view of the Douro River.
In fact, the whole town seems focused on the river, with grand bridges – from the double-decker Ponte de Dom Luís I to the sleek, modern Ponte de Sao Joao – among the city’s most well-known sights.
Reykjavik, Iceland

From its clusters of colourful houses to the almost extraterrestrial drama of its famous Lutheran church Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavík is one of a kind. Most of the city is low-rise, making Mount Esja – often still dusted with snow well into the warmer months – an even more impressive and imposing presence across the water.
Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

Edinburgh’s steep cobbled lanes, Neoclassical architecture and elegant gardens hint at its rich past. But there’s also a vibrancy and dynamism to Scotland’s capital that makes it more than an open-air museum.
At its heart, Edinburgh Castle perches high on its rocky outcrop, guarding the country’s Crown Jewels. For the best views, head to Arthur’s Seat, the city’s highest peak, or Calton Hill, where historic monuments rise above Edinburgh’s honey-hued sandstone skyline.
Cork, Ireland

Cork has so much charm and character, it almost feels greedy. Medieval streets wind their way to colourful riverside terraces, while refined Georgian avenues and Victorian warehouses stand alongside bold, modern architecture.
Yet, this eclectic mix of styles and eras blends seamlessly, creating a cityscape as beautiful as it is unique – one that easily rivals Europe’s best.
New York City, New York, USA

Not all skylines are created equal, and Manhattan’s is among the most iconic. Whether at sunrise, sunset, or glowing against the night sky, its towering silhouette never fails to impress.
But New York’s beauty goes beyond its skyline. From the lush expanse of Central Park to the graceful Brooklyn Bridge and charming brownstones, every corner of the city is effortlessly photogenic.
Cusco, Peru

There’s much more to Cusco than being the gateway to Machu Picchu. One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Americas, its steep, cobbled streets are packed with Spanish-Colonial buildings and plant-filled courtyards, all against a backdrop of the Andes mountains.
Inca sites stand shoulder-to-shoulder with mansions and Catholic churches, while in the San Blas district, narrow lanes wind between small churches and artisans’ workshops.
Cape Town, South Africa

At the heart of Cape Town, both geographically and culturally, stands Table Mountain, its flat summit offering sweeping views across the city. Along the Atlantic seaboard, white-sand beaches meet exclusive hillside homes, while the Upper City Centre reveals a richer tapestry. Here, centuries-old architecture reflects African, Asian and European influences, telling the story of a city shaped by diverse cultures and histories.
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Sea, forest, mountains and beaches – few cities can rival Vancouver’s spectacular setting. Its glittering skyline hugs the shores of Burrard Inlet, framed by the towering Coast Mountains, where suspension bridges and gondolas connect lush, forested slopes.
The city’s green spaces are just as impressive, from the vast Stanley Park to its many tree-lined streets and waterfront trails. Meanwhile, historic neighbourhoods like Gastown, with its Victorian-era buildings, add to Vancouver’s blend of natural beauty and urban charm.
Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is a gorgeous sweep of a city that’s almost too vast and varied to comprehend. The real delight, though, is in the details. Some areas like downtown have a distinctively European feel – with broad boulevards, manicured squares and elegant opera houses.
Pretty neighbourhoods like Palermo are filled with boutiques and independent eateries. While La Boca, pictured, is a joyous riot of colour, especially on Caminito – an open-air museum with painted houses, sculptures and murals.
Santa Barbara, California, USA

Santa Barbara proudly maintains its Spanish heritage, from the red-roofed, white-walled architecture to the Spanish Mission perched above the city. It’s also beautifully located, stretching from gently rolling hills inland to golden beaches along the Pacific Coast.
Highlights include Stearns Wharf, which juts into the harbour, and the Funk Zone, an enclave of converted warehouses that is now home to galleries, boutiques and breweries.
Hoi An, Vietnam

The historic centre of Hoi An is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s clear to see why. It’s at its most charming in the evenings, when the silk lanterns hanging from every shopfront are lit, adding a warm glow to the moss-covered, winding streets. The light dances across the ornamented old buildings, with carvings of carps and dragons, reflected in the lazy Thu Bon River.
New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Although this city is full of charming spots, the French Quarter is what really sets New Orleans apart. The well-preserved historic district is the hub of the city, with music flowing through its cobbled streets and antiques shops filled with treasures.
Every building deserves to be gawped at, from shotgun and Creole-style houses in eye-catching colours, to hotels with lacy wrought-iron balconies and the imposing spires of St Louis Cathedral.
Ketchikan, Alaska, USA

Ketchikan is a city shaped by both its dramatic landscape and rich Indigenous heritage. Its colourful clapboard stilt houses cling to the edges of Ketchikan Creek, while just beyond, glacier-carved valleys and towering mountains frame the city in breathtaking natural beauty.
Known as one of the best places to experience Tlingit and Haida culture, Ketchikan is home to some of the world’s most striking totem poles, intricately carved and brightly painted, standing proudly in their ancestral lands.
Québec City, Québec, Canada

Québec City is a living postcard of old-world charm, anchored by its historic citadel and fortified old town, where cobbled streets, mansard-roofed houses and grand statues tell the story of its past.
Most of its beautifully preserved architecture dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, though the city’s most famous landmark, the Château Frontenac, has reigned over the skyline since the 1890s.
Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

As with the rest of Tasmania, Hobart has a more rugged feel than other major Australian cities, trading white-sand beaches for moody mountains and wide, breezy streets for narrow alleys.
Rising above the city is the 4,170-feet-high (1,271m) Kunanyi (or Mount Wellington), which has glorious views of this city spread along the River Derwent. There are beaches too, and gloriously golden ones at that.
Tauranga, New Zealand

With its picture-perfect beaches, colourful street art and green parks complete with palm trees, Tauranga is a perfect chilled-out beachside city. But it’s Mauao (Mount Maunganui), an extinct volcano jutting out into the bay, which really sets it apart. Hiking trails weave up to the summit, with panoramic views across the city, white-sand beaches and Pacific Ocean.
Lhasa, Tibet

The Holy City, the Place of the Gods, the centre of Tibetan Buddhism – Lhasa has a lot to live up to. But it would be hard not to be moved by the sight of the Potala Palace, or the fervour of pilgrims walking the Barkhor circuit around the Jokhang temple in winding, incense-scented alleys. Perhaps it’s the altitude, but Lhasa seems to have something magical about it.
San Francisco, California, USA

San Francisco makes the most of its spectacular setting on San Francisco Bay, where piers stretch into the water and sprawling green spaces, like the Presidio, offer a retreat right next to the towering rust-red arches of the Golden Gate Bridge.
But the city's beauty doesn't stop at the waterfront. Its famously steep streets are lined with pastel-hued homes, including the iconic Victorian Painted Ladies at Alamo Square, stacked like rows of wedding cakes against the hills.
Kyoto, Japan

With its temples, shrines and Imperial Palace, Kyoto looms large in Japanese culture. Though the centre is fairly modern, the city’s historic districts are as beguiling and beautiful as ever.
There’s Arashiyama, home to bamboo groves and pagodas; Higashiyama, with cherry blossom trees bowing over the canal; and Gion and Pontocho, where geishas can sometimes be glimpsed emerging from traditional machiya (tea houses).
Nuuk, Greenland

As the capital of one of the world’s most remote and untamed landscapes, Nuuk has a rugged beauty. In summer, wood-clad houses in shades of red, pink and orange brighten a backdrop of green grass, black rock and the piercing blue sea.
The surrounding wilderness, with its fjord-carved coastline and towering peaks, makes Nuuk a gateway to Greenland’s raw natural beauty, while its growing arts and culinary scene add a modern edge to this otherwise wild and windswept city.
Shanghai, China

To many, Shanghai means one thing: The Bund. The promenade looks across the river to the skyscrapers of Pudong, which are extravagantly illuminated at night. This is a big, brash and unashamedly bold metropolis.
But there are a few areas offering a relatively subdued and peaceful contrast to the almost relentlessly gleaming, heady megacity. The old French Concession is particularly atmospheric, while the old town has the highest concentration of temples in the city.
Stirling, Scotland, UK

Stirling seems to be striving towards its highest ground, the whole old town drawing the eye up to the imposing Stirling Castle and a step higher still to the Neo-Gothic Wallace Monument. Set among rolling farmland and forested mountains, it makes for a dramatic gateway to the Highlands.
And it loses none of its drama up close. Its steep, cobbled streets are lined with sturdy stone buildings with an occasional mouldering old mansion thrown in for good, Gothic measure.
Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Despite being a huge, sprawling metropolis, Yogyakarta retains its traditions, heritage and thriving arts scene. At its heart is the sultan’s palace (Kraton), with several other of the king's residences dotted around the city.
Most of the buildings are in traditional Javanese style, but some display European and Chinese influences. Taman Sari is particularly enchanting – an evocative, partially ruined royal bathing complex, it's the focal point of a charming residential area.
Rome, Italy

Packed with ancient monuments and picturesque piazzas, Rome’s historic core must be one of the world’s most seductive. There’s the imposing Colosseum, the iconic creamy columns of the Pantheon, the world-famous Trevi Fountain and countless charming squares.
The city is so full of beauty and iconic sights at every corner that it rivals some of the best museums in the world (and it has some of those too).
St Augustine, Florida, USA

Feeling closer to the Mediterranean than the commercial charms of Orlando, St Augustine’s old town is all Spanish-Colonial buildings, palm-lined streets and cobbled lanes.
And it’s not just for show: as the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the US, these historic monuments and buildings are the real deal. But it’s still Florida, so of course there are some glorious stretches of sand to top it all off.
Perth, Western Australia, Australia

Perth’s sunny disposition and outdoor-centric lifestyle are attractive enough. But it's the location of this Western Australian city, which winds along both the Swan River and the Indian Ocean coast, that really sets it apart.
Well-maintained beaches and parks, shining skyscrapers reflecting in the water and architectural wonders like The Bell Tower add to the appeal.
Lyon, France

The prettiest part of Lyon is its old town, Vieux Lyon, where it’s easy to get lost in narrow streets lined with medieval and Renaissance buildings, criss-crossed with the city’s distinctive traboules. These secret covered alleys and tunnels, originally built to protect silk-workers from the rain, are incredibly atmospheric.
But to get a real sense of the city, you need a wider view. From the hilltop district of Fourviere and the Basilique Notre-Dame, the entire red-roofed city unfurls below, with the Alps visible on the horizon.
Portland, Maine, USA

The pretty but unpretentious charms of Portland are given extra clout from the city’s location, right on the water. The Old Port waterfront is a mix of maritime history, working fishing wharves and converted warehouses that house restaurants and shops. Just outside the city, Fort Williams Park has postcard-perfect views of 18th-century lighthouse Portland Head Light.
Mexico City, Mexico

This sprawling city can be overwhelming due to its sheer size. But its beauty is best revealed in its individual details. There are the charming suburbs like leafy Coyoacan and laid-back San Angel. Then there’s the architecture, with landmarks including the Palacio Nacional – featuring tiered arches and a mural by artist Diego Riviera. Green spaces, monuments and a thriving art scene top off its heady beauty.
St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

St John’s is one of the oldest cities in North America, established around the turn of the 16th century. But the weight of its history sits lightly about the city, which feels more like a laid-back small town.
Dotted along the waterfront and in the city centre are brightly painted houses, and at the southern edge of the sheltered harbour is a charmingly squat little lighthouse.
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Cambridge, England, UK

Home to one of the world’s oldest universities, founded in the 13th century, it’s no surprise that Cambridge’s streets are full of historic buildings. There’s the Wren Library at Trinity College, the awe-inspiring King’s College Chapel, founded in 1446, and the Tudor precincts of Queen’s College.
All three are set along the River Cam – walk along The Backs, a riverside area behind several of the colleges, for a perfect way to appreciate the sheer density of history in this beautiful city.
Cartagena, Colombia

Founded on the Caribbean coast of Colombia in the 1530s, Cartagena is one of Latin America’s most beautiful cities. The walled old town – across the water from modern, high-rise Bocagrande – is the really photogenic part, dotted with leafy plazas. Its narrow streets are lined with churches, pretty courtyards and brightly painted houses, their balconies overflowing with plants.
Barcelona, Spain

Every corner of Barcelona has something to admire, but it's the city’s architecture that truly sets it apart. In Eixample, the grid-like streets are brought to life by the flowing curves of La Pedrera, the striking spires of Casa de les Punxes and, most famously, the Sagrada Família.
Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, with its intricate façades and soaring towers, seems to rise organically from the earth, securing Barcelona’s place among the world’s most beautiful cities.
Charleston, South Carolina, USA

Charleston oozes Southern charm and elegance. The city – the oldest in South Carolina, founded in 1670 – retains a small-town air with its pastel-coloured antebellum houses and canopied porches (often complete with a rocking chair or two).
Cobblestone streets and boulevards studded with palm trees lead down to the Battery promenade and Waterfront Park, making the most of the city’s perfect location on Charleston Harbor.
Lubeck, Germany

Fans of Gothic architecture will love Lubeck. The city pioneered a red-brick Gothic style that’s visible everywhere, but especially at the grand city gate, Holstentor. Inside are atmospheric alleyways framed by jauntily leaning houses, grand squares, intriguing little courtyards and imposing, spired churches.
Budapest, Hungary

The Hungarian capital is actually two cities – Buda and Pest – rolled into one, yet still sliced in half by the Danube. Budapest has long been one of Europe's most important cities, once capital of the Kingdom of Hungary.
Its streets, squares and riverfront reflect this history and grandeur, with highlights including the Szechenyi Chain Bridge and imposing Buda Castle to the one-of-a-kind Hungarian Parliament Building.
Marrakech, Morocco

Loud, colourful and just a little bit chaotic – Marrakech lives up to its expectations then throws in a little bit more. Adorned by the intricate Saadien Tombs, the stunning Bahia Palace and blindingly blue Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech's lavish and sprawling attractions compete for attention with the lively medina, all maze-like alleys and thriving souks filled with traditional pottery, textiles and jewellery.
Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay

Facing the cosmopolitan Buenos Aires across the Rio de la Plata, Colonia del Sacramento may as well be on a different planet, or perhaps from a different era. The city charms with its UNESCO-designated Barrio Historico (Historic Quarter), cobbled streets, tiled roofs and low-rise stone buildings – showcasing a singular mix of Portuguese and Spanish styles.
Munich, Germany

Munich, the capital of Bavaria, is packed with grand architecture, glorious open spaces and a generous number of beer gardens. Marienplatz is the city’s focal point, lined with imposing Gothic edifices.
But there are also significant Baroque, Romanesque and even Rococo buildings dotted throughout the city centre. The English Garden, a green space even bigger than New York City's Central Park, offers respite from this dizzying architectural parade.
Valletta, Malta

Valletta is one of Europe’s smallest capitals and every inch is incredibly, uniformly beautiful. The city is known for its Baroque architecture yet there are surprises around every corner, from the imposing Fort St Elmo and Neoclassical St Paul's Pro-Cathedral to the intricately patterned city gate and Parliament House. Stepped, cobbled streets are lined with buttery limestone buildings, all clinging above the boldly blue bay.
Cleveland, Ohio, USA

The home of rock ’n’ roll is more quaint ’n’ charming, really. Cleveland makes the most of its gorgeous spot on Lake Erie with a picturesque waterfront area, home to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
The rest of the city is pretty too, with well-maintained historic buildings including the impressive Arcade – an ornate, glass-roofed 1890s shopping centre in downtown.
Dakar, Senegal

It’s hard to know where to look in Dakar, which combines the amenities of a vibrant city with the appeal of a laid-back beach town. The city is full of history and architectural gems including the strikingly patterned Mosque of the Divinity.
It’s the gorgeous beaches and islands that really make Dakar stand out, though. Laid-back Ile de Ngor is all swaying palms and colourful boats, while Ile de Goree showcases elegant architecture and an emerging artistic community.
Havana, Cuba

Havana’s faded grandeur is famous for a reason. The wide avenues, lined with bright, peeling buildings; the laundry hanging from wrought-iron balconies; the plants growing on, and occasionally out of, windowsills; the wide plazas, ornate churches and eye-catching murals.
Havana is a jumble of so many different elements that it shouldn’t quite work – but somehow, it all comes together to create something unforgettable.
Venice, Italy

It's no surprise Italy has several cities that make our list and we couldn't leave out Venice. The northern city, built on a lagoon, has long lured lovers, tourists and artists alike, drawn to the unique architecture.
Highlights include the Piazza San Marco (dominated by St Mark's Basilica), Doges Palace and the looping Rialto Bridge. But really, there’s beauty around every corner, in every piazza and every canal.
Zanzibar City, Tanzania

Zanzibar City is the capital of Zanzibar, a semi-autonomous region and small island off the coast of Tanzania, part of the archipelago famed for white-sand beaches. At its core is Stone Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Its appeal lies not in formal sights but in its overall beauty and atmosphere. Twisting alleys lead to bustling spice markets, crumbling palaces and brightly painted shops and cafés. Centuries of history and the vibrancy of modern life exist side-by-side here.
Paris, France

Paris is known as a destination for romance and lovers, but with looks like these it’s the city itself that often steals visitors’ hearts. Much of its beauty is boldly on show, from its broad boulevards and the curves of the River Seine to the perfect structure of the Eiffel Tower.
There’s plenty more displayed in museums and galleries too. Paris shines in all weathers – gleaming in summer, golden-hued in autumn, sparkling with a dusting of snow in winter and pretty in pink in spring.
Florence, Italy

Florence's historic buildings, higgledy-piggledy network of winding streets and glorious sunsets mean the Tuscan city is regularly voted one of the world's most stunning. Highlights include the city’s cathedral, the Duomo; and Giotto's Campanile or bell tower, the top of which has sweeping vistas over the city’s red roofs.
Oaxaca, Mexico

Elegant Oaxaca sits high in the Sierra Norte, its majestic churches and refined plazas the pinnacle of colonial architecture. But dig beneath the surface and you’ll uncover the city’s vibrant Indigenous Zapotec culture. It's best seen during the annual Guelaguetza Festival, when people from across the state come together to perform costumed dances.
Seoul, South Korea

The capital of South Korea offers everything you could want from a modern city. You’ll find dazzling streets of brightest neon, bustling food halls serving delicious street food and venues hosting the latest in K-pop music, Korean fashion and art.
But there are pockets of ancient wonder and quiet contemplation too. The peaceful grounds of Bongeunsa Buddhist temple (pictured), built in AD 794, are just moments away from the trendy Gangnam district, made famous by Psy's 2012 smash pop hit, Gangnam Style.
Tallinn, Estonia

Wandering the cobbled streets of Tallinn’s atmospheric old town, you could be forgiven for thinking you've been transported back to the Middle Ages. It's one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, with ancient city walls enclosing an imposing 13th-century town hall, a bustling market square and elegant places of worship like St Nicholas Church.
The old town is in two parts: Lower Old Town, which was home to merchants and craftsmen, and Toompea Hill, where the nobles lived. Today, viewing platforms here offer breathtaking views across the city.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Perched on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, Victoria is not only one of Canada’s most enchanting cities but also the capital of British Columbia. Boasting both old-world charm and coastal beauty, it’s known for its historic architecture, lush gardens and lively waterfront.
The Inner Harbour is the city’s focal point, where the grand Fairmont Empress Hotel stands watch over sailboats and colourful float homes. Just beyond, the world-renowned Butchart Gardens bursts with colour, its themed landscapes offering a floral spectacle for every season.
Bamberg, Germany

A UNESCO-listed gem in Bavaria, Bamberg is a city where history and fairytale charm collide. Its medieval old town – one of the best-preserved in Europe – is all cobbled streets, towering church spires and beautiful half-timbered houses.
The city’s most famous landmark is the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), which appears to float on an island in the Regnitz River, connected by stone bridges adorned with frescoes.
Salzburg, Austria

The birthplace of Mozart and the filming location for The Sound of Music, Salzburg's Baroque beauty is on full display in the perfectly preserved old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site lined with elegant churches, grand palaces and charming squares.
Overlooking it all is the imposing Hohensalzburg Fortress, perched on a hilltop with sweeping views of the city and the snow-capped Alps beyond.
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Known for its graceful colonial architecture, leafy parklands and excellent food scene, Adelaide exudes understated charm. Its wide boulevards create a calm, uncluttered feel, while the Adelaide Central Market beckons all who pass with the scent of fresh pastries, seafood and artisanal cheeses.
Just a tram ride away, Glenelg Beach offers laid-back coastal charm, while a short drive will take you to the Barossa Valley and McLaren Vale, where rolling vineyards spill toward the hills.
Lucerne, Switzerland

Framed by snow-capped peaks and the shimmering waters of Lake Lucerne, this storybook city is a masterclass in medieval charm. The Kapellbrücke (Chapel Bridge), with its 17th-century paintings, spans the Reuss River, while pastel-hued buildings line the cobbled Old Town.
Overlooked by the majestic Mount Pilatus and Mount Rigi, Lucerne offers stunning lake cruises, scenic promenades and breathtaking alpine views, making it effortlessly beautiful.
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